RSI
RSI on Aug. 6 announced changes to its Executive Board following the unexpected passing of former Chair Rob Oesch.
“We are all deeply saddened by the loss of Rob, a great leader whose contributions to the rail industry and RSI were invaluable,” said Greg Dalpe, Executive Vice President, Freight Car Services, Progress Rail, who is stepping into the role of RSI Board Chair. “We are committed to honoring his legacy and will continue the important work he championed. We are confident that this new executive board, comprised of experienced and dedicated leaders, will guide our organization forward with a shared vision for a strong and innovative rail supply industry.”
Kate Suprenuk, President, Marmon Railcar Leasing, UTLX & Procor, will fulfill Dalpe’s unexpired term as Vice Chair. Justin Roberts, Vice President, Corporate Finance & Treasurer, The Greenbrier Companies, will take on the duties of Treasurer that Dalpe was also handling prior to assuming the chairmanship.
The RSI Board of Directors officers for the remainder of 2025 are as follows:
- Chair: Greg Dalpe, Executive Vice President, Freight Car Services – Progress Rail
- Vice Chair: Kate Suprenuk, President, Marmon Railcar Leasing – UTLX & Procor
- Secretary: John Cohen, Vice President, Public Affairs – Alstom
- Treasurer: Justin Roberts, Vice President, Corporate Finance & Treasurer – The Greenbrier Companies
- Past-Chairman: Jeff Lytle, President – CIT Rail
RailPros
RailPros announced Aug. 7 that it has hired Walter F. Bleser, II, PE, as Vice President, Strategic Consulting Services.
Bleser will be responsible for growing RailPros’ Strategic Consulting business by leveraging his two-plus decades of experience in railway engineering, consulting, and strategy. He will work cross-functionally “to deliver tailored, high-impact solutions across North America,” the company said in a press release.
“Walter brings expertise in enterprise value and navigating complex projects. He joins our team at a pivotal moment for our industry,” said RailPros CEO Kendall “Ken” Koff. “He will work alongside our existing team to strengthen client relationships and identify new opportunities to provide strategic help to both RailPros and the railroad industry.”
Bleser holds a master’s in civil engineering (structural engineering) from the University of Kansas, and a Bachelor of Science degree in civil/structural engineering from Kansas State University. He is also a licensed Professional Engineer.
“I’m excited to join RailPros, a firm with a strong commitment to excellence in the railway sector, where as their tagline says, rail is not part of the business, it is the business,” said Bleser. “Together with our clients and stakeholders, we’ll build forward-thinking strategies that drive meaningful results in today’s rapidly evolving transportation environment.”
